Cell therapy is a growing industry that utilizes the building blocks of life in an attempt to fight human ailments. It involves the use of cells and tissues to regenerate, repair, and enhance human health. While our medical system has traditionally relied on pharmaceutical drugs and surgical treatments, this is shifting as a expanding number of cell therapies are reaching commercialization.
Today, a search of the clinical trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov identifies 8,160 trials involving stem cells. While these powerful cells are frequently used within cell therapy, other promising cell types are also being explored, most notably CAR-T cells (chimeric antigen receptor T cells). CAR-T cell therapy is as a type of cell therapy that teaches T cells to recognize and destroy cancer.
Cell therapy companies, as a result, have gained public attention for their progress in using living cells to treat previously incurable diseases and disorders.
Cell Therapy Companies To WatchÂ
Whether your a stock investor, an industry executive, or a biotech aficionado, below are ten cell therapy companies that are worthy of attention. Some of them are attractively priced relative to their technology and product pipelines, as described below.
1. Atherys, Inc. – ATHX (NASDAQ)
Atherys, Inc. is an international biotech company focused on regenerative medicines designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life.
One of the first regenerative medicine companies on this list, they are developing Multistem, an adult-derived off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other types of critical care.
The company’s most advanced program explores the treatment of ischemic stroke, which is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.
Their stock sits at $2.04 a share, and they’re based in Cleveland, Ohio.
2. Autolus Therapeutics – AUTL (NASDAQ)
Autolus is a proclaimed leader in T cell programming technologies, with a stock price of $13.76 a share. Their goal is to use their technology to target both hematological cancers and solid tumors.
The broad pipeline of candidates includes B-cell malignancies, T cell lymphoma, prostate cancer, and various tumors.
3. Capricor Therapeutics – CAPR (NASDAQ)
Based in Beverly Hills, California, Capricor Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company that has been working on a cure for COVID-19, and their shares are currently priced at $5.52.
Their lead candidate, CAP-1002, is in clinical development and is meant to be an off-the-shelf treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and COVID. The cell therapy is meant to change a person’s immune system activity to stimulate cellular regeneration.
Capricor has also established itself as a leader in the field of exosome science, which is another form of cellular technology.
4. Cellular Biomedicine Group – CBMG (NASDAQ)
Holding a value of $18.74 a share as of August 2020, Cellular Biomedicine Group is a publicly-traded clinical-stage cell therapy company based in China.
Their focus is on the development of immunotherapies for different forms of cancer, and stem cell therapy for degenerative diseases. They operate across 3 major cities and have twelve independent cell production lines.
CBGM’s pipeline focuses on the benefits adult stem cells can have in regenerative medicine and its applications in therapy for knee osteoarthritis.
5. Freeline Therapeutics – FRLN (NASDAQ)
Freeline Therapeutics currently holds a value of $17.76 a share and is headquartered in the UK.
Of the many gene therapy companies out there, Freeline Therapeutics works with systematic AAV-based gene therapy, which is a type of virus programmed to direct genes where they need to go.
Their pipeline focuses on treating inherited diseases, such as Haemophilia, Fabry Disease, and Gaucher Disease.
6. Gamida Cell – GMDA (NASDAQ)
Based in Israel, Gamida Cell is a cell therapy company that focuses on stem cell research for cell and immune therapy. Its shares are selling for $4.09 each.
Their pipeline includes trials for hematologic malignancies, severe aplastic anemia, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Gamida’s platform aims to expand multiple cell types while retaining their original phenotype and potency.
7. Mesoblast Limited – MESO (NASDAQ)
Founded in 2004 and based in Australia, Mesoblast Limited is a regenerative medicine company focused on treating inflammatory ailments, back pain, and cardiovascular disease. Currently, their shares are selling for $18.56 each.
They are developing allogeneic cellular medicines as treatments, and their Phase 3 product candidates include treatments for advanced chronic heart failure and ARDS (advanced respiratory distress syndrome) due to COVID.
The FDA is currently set to review one of their medications for treating children with steroid-refractory acute GVHD by the end of September.
8. Pluristem Therapeutics – PSTI (NASDAQ)
Holding a stock price of $11.09 a share, Pluristem Therapeutics is a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company with a focus on using placental cells to treat a wide range of conditions, including muscle injuries and radiation exposure.
They currently develop “off the shelf” products that do not require specific genetic or tissue matching and can be used in almost any clinical setting.
9. REGENXBIO – RGNX (NASDAQ)
REGENXBIO, a leader in AAV gene therapy, currently sits at $29.16 a share.
This cell therapy companies is seeking to change the way diseases are treated, REGENXBIO is developing gene therapies in treating retinal, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their pipeline includes a wide range of issues, such as diabetic retinopathy, HoFH, and MPS II.
Stock information is easily available on their website, and future investors are encouraged to reach out to them.
10. VistaGen Therapeutics – VTGN (NASDAQ)
Although their stock currently sells for $0.69 a share, VistaGen is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medications for treating anxiety and depression, as well as central nervous system diseases.
More specifically, VistaStem is the subsidiary operating under VistaGen. VistaStem’s focus is applying stem cell tech to predict potential heart toxicity of new chemicals long before they’re used in animal or human studies.
They are also using their stem cell technology to assist in the development of small molecule NCEs central nervous systems and for NCEs with regenerative capabilities.
Currently, they have a sublicense agreement with BlueRock Therapeutics for rights to VistaStem’s proprietary technology.
Investing in Cell Therapy Companies
These are just a few of the top biotech companies across the world. As you’ve noticed, cell therapy companies are tackling a broad range of ailments, from cancerous afflictions to hair follicle transplants.
Whether you’re an institutional investor or you simply want to invest in a publicly-traded company that aims to improve and invent new medical treatments, there’s an option for you.
What cell therapy companies are you investing in and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, financial advice. When making investment decisions, always consult with a qualified financial adviser. BioInformant is not a registered investment, legal or tax advisor. The information contained on this Website is not a substitute for financial advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Neither BioInformant nor the author have a position in any of the stocks or companies mentioned.
